Keep Your Smile Healthy With Check-Up and Clean in Wollongong

Most people are advised to have a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning every six months. Following this schedule helps your dentist detect early signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. Identifying these concerns early can prevent them from becoming more serious. 

However, the ideal frequency can vary from patient to patient. Several factors can influence how often you need to visit the dentist. Your age, medical history, oral hygiene habits, and risk of dental problems may lead to more frequent appointments. Your dentist will recommend a visit schedule that suits your needs and helps lower the risk of dental problems developing between appointments.

Yes, professional teeth cleaning is often part of a routine visit. After performing an oral health check where your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and overall condition, they will then proceed with a dental cleaning. This supports plaque control and helps maintain your oral health between appointments. If more extensive cleaning is needed, your dentist will recommend a longer session or follow-up care.

For a routine dental check-up, most appointments take around 15 to 20 minutes. This depends on whether your dentist needs to review your dental history, take X-rays, or perform a bite or jaw assessment. If it’s been a while since your last visit, your dentist will take more time to assess your mouth thoroughly. They may also spend extra time answering any questions you have.

The dental scale and clean component usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes. This includes removing plaque and tartar, polishing your teeth, and applying fluoride if recommended. If there's a large amount of build-up, the cleaning may take longer or require follow-up care.

Yes, teeth cleaning is considered a standard part of general dental services. It contributes significantly to achieving long-term oral health and is commonly performed during routine visits. The procedure will vary according to your treatment needs and oral health history. However, regular cleaning supports early detection and can help maintain healthy teeth and gums over time. If a different approach is recommended, your dentist will tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Certain changes in your mouth may indicate that professional dental attention is needed. Recognising these symptoms early can help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.

Here are common signs that indicate it’s time for a dental check-up:

1. Tooth pain or discomfort: If you feel persistent pain, pressure, or sensitivity in a specific tooth, it may indicate an underlying concern such as decay, infection, or another condition requiring professional evaluation and treatment by your dentist.
2. Bleeding or swollen gums: Gums that bleed easily, feel swollen, or appear red and puffy may be showing early signs of gum disease. It is especially important to note whether these symptoms occur while brushing and flossing or spontaneously.
3. Tooth sensitivity: A sudden increase in sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods may be a sign of an underlying issue. This could include enamel erosion, gum recession, or early-stage decay and should be assessed by your dentist.
4. Persistent bad breath or unusual taste: Consistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste may be caused by something more than diet or dry mouth. These symptoms can result from a build-up of plaque, bacteria, or an infection that needs attention from your dentist.
5. Loose teeth or changes in bite: If your teeth feel like they’re shifting or your bite feels different, it could be a sign of a problem. This may suggest changes in your jaw or bone support and should be checked by your dentist.
6. Sores or patches that won’t heal: Mouth sores, ulcers, or discoloured patches that haven’t healed within two weeks may be a sign of something more serious. Your dentist should check these changes to rule out infection or other oral health concerns.
7. Chipped or cracked teeth: Even if there’s no pain, a chipped or cracked tooth is more vulnerable to decay or further damage. Seeing your dentist early may help prevent complications and reduce the need for more complex treatment later on.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, book a check-up with a dentist. Getting checked early allows them to identify dental problems while they’re easier to manage and may reduce the need for complex treatment.

Most people don’t find dental cleaning painful, but some areas can feel uncomfortable depending on your oral health condition. If your gums are inflamed or there's significant tartar build-up, certain areas will feel tender during the process. Letting your dentist know if you're feeling sensitive allows them to adjust their approach and keep you as comfortable as possible.

Yes, you can usually eat before and after a dental cleaning—but there are a few things to keep in mind. Eating beforehand is fine, though brushing your teeth before the appointment is recommended. If you've had a fluoride treatment, waiting about 30 minutes before eating will give it time to be absorbed by the teeth. Unless you've had a fluoride treatment, you can eat normally after your dental cleaning.

Many private health funds include cover for routine dental cleaning as part of general dental services. The amount you can claim will depend on your specific policy and provider. Some health funds may cover the full cost of a check-up and clean. Others may only cover part of the fee or have annual limits. It’s a good idea to contact your health fund before your appointment to determine what your policy covers.

If you're unsure about your level of cover, our team at Illawarra Dentists can provide item codes and treatment details. This information will be helpful when you speak with your health fund before your visit. We accept all major health funds and offer HICAPS facilities for on-the-spot claims, helping to streamline your appointment experience.